"Blow the Candles Out"

A Smallville story by Xica

Characters: Clark, Chloe, Pete, Lana, Lex, and Mari

Disclaimer: The only character I own is Mari, everything else belongs to some very rich men who don't understand that the Chlark is what makes the Smallville world go round. Enjoy.

***** To those who first read this story when it was entitled "Birthday" this is pretty much the same story. There were just some issues with the characters (namely my "Mary Sue" original character) that I felt needed changing. And I'd always intended on changing the title. I haven't changed any plot points and I am feverishly working to finish the fourth chapter. I hope you continue to like the story, and as always please read and review.

As Chloe checked her reflection in the mirror for the last time a wave of calm washed over her. All evening she'd been nervous and fidgety. It's taken her nearly twenty minutes to do her makeup because she couldn't stop shaking long enough to get her eyeliner on straight. Tonight is just like any other night, she told herself. Even if nothing happened between her and Clark she reminded herself that she was going to a party for her, given by people who loved her. It was enough to slow her heart down to a normal pace.

Whatever did or didn't happen tonight would not change her; Clark was just a boy, regardless of what her overblown fantasies would have her believe. And, she thought as she gazed at her reflection appreciatively, I look too damn hot to mope around all night. Chloe noticed how the exquisite cream-colored slacks hugged her hips in just the right places, accentuating a taut midriff that never usually saw the light of day. She even loved how the chocolate brown of the tube top set off the last traces of her summer tan and the sheer embroidered panel at the bottom was just funky enough to be true Chloe. She looked great and now that her sanity had been restored she was ready to go.

As if on cue she heard the gravel crunching in her driveway that signaled that Clark Kent had arrived. Chloe ran to her front window to sneak a peek and definitely enjoyed what she saw. Clark was standing next to his truck, as if he was frozen in place. It looked like he was even practicing how to greet her. Chloe let a giggle escape and let the curtain fall into place. She felt as if in that moment she had gained the upper hand. And she liked the feeling. A few seconds later she heard a heavy knock at her door followed by a much softer one. Taking a deep breath Chloe strode to the door and opened it. She was greeted by Clark's mega-watt smile.

"Wow" Clark said.

"Thanks, I'm glad you like it" Chloe said brazenly enjoying watching the color rise in Clark's cheeks.

Clark produced a large bouquet of roses from behind his back and it was Chloe's turn to blush. "Clark, they're beautiful," she said sincerely as she turned and headed towards the kitchen to find a vase. Unceremoniously dumping the silk flower arrangement on the kitchen table she quickly rinsed out the vase and filled it with cool water. She barely noticed that Clark had followed her and was sitting at the table watching her. She rummaged through the drawers searching for a pair of scissors to cut the stems off the flowers. Not finding one she settled for a large serrated knife.

"Chloe why don't you let me do that, you don't wanna get plant mucus all over your clothes", Clark said.

"Ummm, sure" Chloe replied, her earlier nervousness returning for an encore performance.

Clark's hand gently brushed hers as he reached for the knife. She watched as he gently sliced off the ends of the roses, skillfully avoiding the sharp thorns. Chloe knew that had she been doing the cutting her hands would be a bloody mess. And she knew that Clark knew it too. Clark finished his task and put the flowers in the vase, arranging them nicely. "All done" he said proudly and something inside Chloe broke. Clark reached for a sponge to clean up the mess and Chloe put her hand over his. Clark looked down on her, his brilliant blue eyes questioning her. Chloe wasn't all together sure if she had an answer.

"Chloe?" Clark said, his voice barely above a whisper.

"Clark, I –", Chloe managed out before Clark bought his lips to her in a tender kiss. Clark pulled her close to him and Chloe snuggled into his embrace. Acknowledging Chloe's response Clark teased her mouth open, slipping his tongue inside. Chloe moaned in response and pressed her body up against Clark. The friction of their bodies sending a heat wave coursing through him both. Clark ripped his lips away from her and started a trail of kisses down her neck, whispering her name between kisses. "Chloe, Chloe" he said over and over.

"Chloe?"

Chloe snapped to attention. She'd done it again. While she'd been fantasizing Clark had cleaned up the mess and was now looking at her as if she'd grown another head.

'Sorry Clark" she said hoping that her blush was not as deep as it felt. "It must be the altitude making me loopy. I'm never wearing heels this high again", she said, laughing nervously, hoping that Clark would just drop it.

"Well okay then" Clark said slowly. "I guess we should get going then?"

"Yeah" Chloe said a bit too cheerfully. "I'll just go get my purse".

Chloe scampered off towards the living room and Clark let out a breath he hadn't know he was holding in. All in all he felt that things were going well, but Chloe had thrown him off. They way she'd flirted with him we he first arrived had surprised but pleased him.

"All ready" Chloe called from the front hall and Clark went to join her.

The pair walked slowly out of Chloe's house and out to Clark's pick-up truck which had, Chloe noticed, undergone a massive transformation from its usually grimy state. Clark opened the door to the cab and Chloe was assaulted by the smell of air freshener. She giggled softly and Clark blushed.

"I think I went a little overboard," he said, grinning sheepishly. "I wouldn't want you to show up smelling like fertilizer"

"I appreciate the effort" Chloe replied. Clark smiled again and shut the door. He ran around to the other side of the truck and climbed in.

"So tell me Clark" Chloe said, "should I be afraid? I mean Mari hasn't hired circus performers or anything has she?"

"Well you never know with Mari." Clark chuckled.

"But I will promise you one thing" Clark said seriously, placing his hand over Chloe's, "I won't let anything stop you from having a good time tonight. I personally guarantee you the night of your life".

Chloe opened her mouth, but no words came out. So she just smiled instead and Clark seemed to understand. "Shall we?" he said starting the truck.

"We most definitely shall" Chloe replied. "The night of my life is waiting".